MEDIA ADVISORY

UNITED NATIONS TO HOLD FIRST SPECIAL SESSION
ON HIV/AIDS, 25-27 JUNE 2001

Governments Will Convene to Plan Intensified Action
to Combat the Global Epidemic

The
United Nations will hold a Special Session on HIV/AIDS to galvanize leadership
at the highest levels, intensify international action and mobilize the
resources needed to combat the epidemic.The Special Session, to take place from 25 to 27 June 2001 atUN Headquarters in New York, will be the
first ever to address a public health issue.

UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan and high-level government delegations will
address:

The importance of political leadership in developing
effective responses and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS

Encouraging all sectors of society to play a major role

Increasing resources for treatment, prevention, and
care

Preventing new infections and alleviating the social
and economic impact of the epidemic

Access to care and the development of new technologies
and treatments that are both effective and affordable

Governments are expected to adopt a
Declaration of Commitment setting targets and timetables. In addition to
statements in the Plenary, four interactive round tables will discuss human
rights, international funding and cooperation, prevention and care, and the
socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS. These will involve participants from NGOs,
the private sector and other civil society groups.A full programme of press conferences and special events will
provide additional media opportunities.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

UN
accreditation required for all journalists.Media accreditation forms can
be found at www.un.org/ga/aids/media.Fax completed forms to (+1 212) 963-4642.Confirm receipt by calling (+1 212) 963-7164/6934.No acknowledgement will be sent. All
applications for accreditation must be accompanied by a letter of assignment
from the Editor or Bureau Chief on media letterhead.

Press materials, schedules and more information on media arrangements
will be posted as they become available, at www.un.org/ga/aids/media.